Interested in SE Cabriolet

Thanks for taking a few minutes to try and help me out. I own two Mercedes now; '80 300SD and '75 450SL(R). I have for some time now had an interest in the 200 series cariolets. I am at this point wanting information on the various models from those who have owned them. Some of my interest are:
1. What are there strong points?
2. What are there weaknesses?
3. Are certain models more/less expensive to; a)purchase, b)restore [if necessary], c)maintain?
4. What are the differences in the engine options?
5. What variations occurred from one year to the next?

I am not looking for one to show or store in garage, but rather to drive and enjoy. The SL the I own at present is my second convertible and to me there is nothing better than a car with no top. My passion for cars is somewhat consuming and I have over the past few years developed a love for the older Mercedes. I appreciate any and all information and advice that you can give. By the way, I live in North Alabama and would love to be able to see some good examples if there are any within reasonable driving distance.

...keep it between the curvy lines!

WD
40

[Aaron]

WD40:

I will try to answer your questions as best I can...

1. Strong points: These cars are rock-solid and will run all day happily at 80mph on the highway, although with their gearing, they tend to sound a little busy when running on interstates (70mph=4,000rpm!). The cabriolet tops have great headliners and when the top is up, you can not tell that you're in a car with a rag top. Brakes are good, with discs all around from 1967 onward. Engines are, for the most part, long lived.

2. Weak points: Engines can be oil-drinkers, requiring at the least a valve job or in some cases of severe consumption, a whole new longlbock. Transmissions are good, but shifts are hard and somewhat jerky. If the car has sat for long periods of time and will not start, it could mean the rack in the fuel injection pump is stuck, requiring an overhaul of the pump (about $850). You have to carry a set of points with you, and always have tools on hand! The bodies have survived very well, with only a few suffering from bad rust problems. Interiors are also hard wearing, but trim pieces are hard to find or non-existent and if the front seats lean to one side, it is probably because the frame is broken and must be re-welded or replaced (expensive!). New cabriolet tops are easily $1,000 and that's aftermarket. I couldn't even imagine what MB would charge! Wood paneling on the dash can need refinishing, which is a job best left to a professional. The Kuhlmeister or FrigiKing under-dash air conditioning units do work well and will freeze your ass off, but they are noisy and don't move a huge volume of air. Engines, for the most part are very cool-running, but make sure the auxiliary fan works when you're using the A/C. Hot start problems are common, but there is a factory relay and harness which you can install to cure the problem. You also need to find a mechanic who is familiar with these older injection systems or else you'll be paying him for alot of guesswork!

3. Models: Pretty much all of them are about the same. The most desireable being the 280SE 3.5 of course. Maintenance isn't cheap on any of them, neither is restoration.

4. 220s and 250s are six cylinders, and the 280 3.5 is the V8. The sixes aren't slow, but they're not burners either. They get around 14-15mpg but have a big fuel tank, so their cruising range is pretty decent. I drove my 250SE Cabrio from Cleveland to Cincinnati for a show and used about 1/2 tank one way (210 miles). As far as regular options, you could order power steering, power windows, air conditioning, the DB automatic transmission, and a whole slew of other items.

5. As the years went by, the cars got better and better. I'd love to have a 280 3.5 cabrio but they're quite pricey these days. You can tell the difference at the front end because the 3.5 has the lower, wider grille than the six cylinder models.

On to my car: It's a 14,000 original mile automobile. It's dark red with off-white leather interior. Everything is in perfect condition, and last year I had the injection pump rebuilt by Pacific Fuel Injection, put on a new master cylinder and two new front calipers. Also have done a major service including the valve adjustment, points, condenser, plugs, all fluids and filters, new drive belts, etc..etc..The only non-original items are a Blaupunkt CD deck and a pair of Polk Audio speakers. All the chrome is perfect and there is no rust. The car took third in class at this year's Cincinnati Councours d' Elegance. I'm asking $42,000 or best offer for it. Can provide documentation and pics upon request. The car is in my stroage garage in Cleveland, Ohio. I drive it pretty regularly in the summer time. Options on it are the Kuhlmeister A/C and power steering. It has crank windows. Tires are good Michelin XW4s. It's an automatic as well. Please let me know if you're interested. Hope I was able to help you out!

[ctaylor738]

If you could live with a coupe, there is an interesting 1967 280SE on e-Bay. It has a 5-speed, which is rare. It came up searching on 'mercedes 280'.

[Aaron]

Hehe, thanks Bill, almost forgot!!

The car was previously owned by Wayne Newton, hence the "CASINO" license plates on it.